Mission closed for renovations - people in need still getting fed

Troy Purdie, Tim McAllister, Inez Fox and Jill Kanwischer are among the team of volunteers that loaded  a trailer in preparation for kitchen renovations at the Amherstburg Food & Fellowship Mission.

The Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission is temporarily closed for renovations but the community is helping to feed those in need in the interim.

The mission is having cabinets replaced in the kitchen and in other parts of the building and that has caused the building to have to be shut down while that happens. The building closed last Friday (Aug. 7) and work continues through Aug. 18.

“Although our kitchen will be closed from Aug. 7-August 18, we are committed to ensuring that no one goes without a hot meal or access to food during that time,” said mission board member and volunteer Jill Kanwischer. 

Kanwischer said the mission’s regular food rescue partners - including Sobeys, Walmart, No Frills, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Starbucks - will continue providing the perishable foods those who eat at the mission rely on, including produce, dairy, bread, desserts, and prepared foods. Those meals will be offered at 179 Victoria St. S., where the Amherstburg Fort Malden Golden Age Club meets.

“On top of that, several local businesses and organizations have stepped up in an amazing way by donating hot meals,” she said.

Kanwischer stated Burger 67 and Domino’s are each donating two days of hot meals, while Amherstburg Community Services (ACS) and Riccardo’s Italian Restaurant are also helping. 

Guac Mexi Grill, partnering with SV Care Pharmacy, are also providing two days of meals, Kanwischer added.

Meals are on a take-out basis only while being served out of 179 Victoria St. S.

“If our renovation extends beyond the expected timeline, TI Automotive is already waiting in the wings and has offered to help in any way they can,” she said.

There will also be produce and other food items such as bread available, though much like the hot meals themselves, there may be a limited supply.

The cabinets that are being replaced were more designed for residential use and Williams Food Equipment is replacing them with commercial cupboards and cabinets.

“They’re done,” said Kanwischer, of the old cabinets. “We keep repairing them. They are residential cabinets in a commercial kitchen. It doesn’t work.”

The mission planned for the expenditure of the cupboards and cabinets and finally had enough money saved this year. Kanwischer added they soon will also be replacing a stove.

“The staff and members of the Golden Age Club and the Town of Amherstburg have been absolutely wonderful, generously sharing their space with us and welcoming us into their home while we temporarily ‘invade their territory,’” Kanwischer added. “Their kindness, patience, and willingness to work with us during this transition have meant so much, and we are incredibly grateful for their generosity and cooperation.”

Volunteers may not be in their usual roles at the mission, but they aren’t taking a break. They have worked tirelessly to clean, pack, move equipment and tables and set up at their temporary location down the street.

“Many are putting in double duty to make this transition as smooth as possible, and we simply couldn’t do this without them,” she said.

Donations of food, clothing and housewares have been temporarily suspended while the mission’s building at 298 Victoria St. S. is under renovation.

Cash donations can still be made via e-transfer to aburgmission@yahoo.com.

“We feel incredibly blessed by the generosity of so many people, businesses, organizations, and volunteers who have stepped up to ensure that no one in our community goes hungry,” said Kanwischer.

Volunteers are still needed at the Amherstburg Food and Fellowship Mission. They are still in need of additional people to give of their time, especially dishwashers and cleaners. Volunteers are most needed on Thursdays and Fridays, though help on any day the mission is open is welcome. 

Those interested can contact the mission at aburgmission@yahoo.com or wait until renovations are complete and call 519-736-9140 or visit the mission after Aug. 18.

Mission president Tim McAllister added it has been a busy time at the mission as he has had to fill gaps due to people vacationing. 

“After all these years, I still enjoy it,” he said. “I still feel good that I’m able to help those in need.”

Mission closed for renovations - people in need still getting fed

By Ron Giofu